Or what happens to a voice artist if their voice is cloned and used without their permission?
It seems like every day there is another news headline or technological advancement about the emergence of artificial intelligence. We are bombarded with new AI developments, technology warnings and predictions about what the future might look like. With so much information coming at us, it can be difficult to know what role AI should play in our lives, especially when it begins touching something as personal as our human identity.
For Christian voice actor Colin Cassidy, this is something that has become increasingly real in his career. Colin shared how his voice was allegedly cloned and used without his permission after years of work building his career as a professional voice artist. “It was so good they stole it,” Colin said with a laugh.
Colin said his experience highlights a growing cultural shift that affects far more than actors, musicians or public figures. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable of replicating voices and personal characteristics, many are asking where the line should be drawn.
When AI Copies Human Identity
Have you ever had someone steal something that belonged to you? Maybe it was food, clothing or even a car. But what about your voice? What about your face? What about the unique characteristics that make you who you are?
Many of us might not have to worry about this right now, but for actors like Colin this has become a challenge he cannot ignore any longer. “My identity has been stolen,” he said.
The concern isn’t just that AI can mimic a human voice, but that something that is intrinsically human and personal to us can be copied, monetised and distributed without consent. “All those sorts of little human touches that we pull on from our soul and our memory and our life,” Colin said.
While actors like Colin are facing the brunt of this challenge right now, it begins to raise significant questions for us too. How far should AI be allowed to imitate what makes us human? And who exactly is vulnerable to it in the future?
Why Christians Should Pay Attention to AI
But beyond the technological challenges, this issue reveals a deeper truth that has been around since the beginning of creation.
The Bible teaches that human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Our identity is not something we created ourselves. It’s a gift from our Creator.
The way you speak to others, how you carry yourself, your laugh, the way you greet people. These are all personal to you because God created you to be that way.
“We speak things into being in the Bible,” Colin said. “The whole world and universe was spoken into being. So, our voice is pretty special from a Christian’s perspective.”
When technology treats our God-given human identity as raw material to be copied and commercialised, Christians should at least pause and consider the implications.
More Than a Technological Problem
It is important to understand that technology itself is not evil. Throughout history, new technologies have improved lives, advanced medicine and expanded opportunities. However, as Christians we must approach these technological advancements with wisdom and discernment.
“We’re at a foundational time right now,” Colin shared. “It’s not about me… It’s about the future of other generations.” The decisions being made today will shape the way future generations understand privacy and where their identity comes from.
Remembering Where Our Human Identity Comes From
In today’s day and age, these conversations will continue to circulate, but they do not have to define us. Our identity is not found in our appearance, our voice, our talents or even our profession. It is found in Christ.
AI may be able to imitate a voice. It may be able to replicate an image. It may even become increasingly convincing at mimicking human behaviour. But it cannot recreate a person made in the image of God. It cannot replicate an authentic relationship with Jesus.
And it cannot replace the unique purpose God has given you.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our culture, we have an opportunity to bring a needed Christian perspective to the conversation. We can embrace technology without surrendering our understanding of what it means to be human.
Because our voices are more than digital assets to be copied and sold. They are part of the unique gifts God has entrusted to us.
Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.
Feature image: Canva
